Irish down for year with torn meniscus

It’s always challenging to forecast catching prospects and Irish looks like he’s going to be another tough evaluation for dynasty managers, especially since he’s already moved off the position. The 22-year-old was selected 19th overall in last year’s draft after a standout collegiate career at Auburn and hit .286/.388/.528 with 16 homers and 20 steals in 343 plate appearances for High-A Frederick prior to the injury. There’s enough power upside to envision Irish making a real fantasy impact in the next couple seasons. The fact that he can chip in a handful of thefts is also a nice bonus.

Jim Callis reported the dollar value, which is right at slot. Irish, the 19th overall selection, was announced as a catcher on draft day, though he spent quite a bit more time in right field for Auburn this year, partly due to injury, and it sounds like the Orioles will be flexible in how they use him. The bat is there for him to move quickly if he’s moved out from behind the dish.

Irish dealt with a right scapula fracture in 2025, but when he was on the field, he slashed an impressive .364/.469/.710 with 19 homers over 55 games. The left-handed hitter garners plus grades from scouts in both the hit and power tools, and he’s a patient hitter who has shown improvement in his approach each season in the SEC. The question with Irish is whether he can stay behind the plate, but he was solid in the outfield after the fracture, and he’s a decent enough athlete to play in one of the corners. If Irish can stick at catcher he has a chance to be one of the better backstops in the coming years, but there’s enough offensive upside to roster him in dynasty leagues if his position is right or left field.